Tuesday

How do objects summon memories? What do real images feel like? For decades, these types of questions have permeated the pages of Lynda Barry’s compositions, with words attracting pictures and conjuring places through a pen that first and foremost keeps on moving. What It Is demonstrates a tried-and-true creative method that is playful, powerful, and accessible to anyone with an inquisitive wish to write or to remember. Composed of completely new material, each page of Barry’s first Drawn & Quarterly book is a full-color collage that is not only a gentle guide to this process but an invigorating example of exactly what it is: “The ordinary is extraordinary.”

Ocean at the End of the Lane was like skinny dipping on a hot June night, in a deep, moon dappled pond. I held my breath, and dove deep...... you awoke magic with your words......I shall never be the same. I thank you.

Saturday

Monday

Saturday

I love this photo.... I ran across it on the web. I have a few little bottles that I shall be making some labels for and scattering them around the studio. I want to fill them with a little bit of colored water and in the sun I think they would look spectacular. I also have an old typewriter and of course piles and piles of books.
Let the creative juices flow......or I could just fill the bottles with absinth and see a green fairy or two.
smooches....caitie xox

Wednesday

Welcome to Caities flea Circus........I have always wanted to run away and join the circus......to be flung through the air on silver trapeze bars, to tame lions and tigers and bears....oh my..... Or to be the girl in the pink sparkles tutu riding the white horse in the middle of the ring.........sigh......But sometimes you can't run away....so you form your own circus, one where you wear many hats and juggle everything on a day to day basis......and every once in a while...you put on a ball gown, wiggle your ears, and dance under the big top.

I specialize in lovely and unusual Flea market finds......... I love antiques, the odd, the orphans, the ones with patina and shine..... those lost to time. I love nothing better than finding a piece and finding its history.I head to Europe once a year to find special treasures as well as finding treats from the great mid-west........... I love it when ones eyes light up with that 'special find' ...... I hope you can find that at my little flea circus...........smooches......... caitie xoxoxxxxx

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?""That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.""I don't much care where –""Then it doesn't matter which way you go.” —Lewis Carroll

Saturday

The world has been saved, a wild revolution, formed by environmentalists, has seized control of the United States....... It's a bright new green green world....or so it seems.

A world dominated by the Dictator Chairman Rahma, on the surface seems idyllic, but great dictators who rule with complete and absolute authority, will be challenged. In a world ruled by complete censorship and an iron will there is an increasing amount of descent. In this case by corporations and rebels alike, joined by foreign corporations and governments, the the almighty grip of Chairman Rahma, begins to topple.

I enjoyed the romantic notion of a completely green world, where, amongst many other things, air pollution is outlawed..... But the reality of human nature ( and mutants) ..... shows it's true recalcitrant ways.

The world has been saved, a wild revolution, formed by environmentalists, has seized control of the United States....... It's a bright new green green world....or so it seems.

A world dominated by the Dictator Chairman Rahma, on the surface seems idyllic, but great dictators who rule with complete and absolute authority, will be challenged. In a world ruled by complete censorship and an iron will there is an increasing amount of descent. In this case by corporations and rebels alike, joined by foreign corporations and governments, the the almighty grip of Chairman Rahma, begins to topple.

I enjoyed the romantic notion of a completely green world, where, amongst many other things, air pollution is outlawed..... But the reality of human nature ( and mutants) ..... shows it's true recalcitrant ways.

Secret Lives of the Tsars
Three Centuries of Autocracy, Debauchery, Betrayal, Murder, and Madness from Romanov Russia
By Michael Farquhar
The scandalous and salacious life and times of the famous( or is it infamous) tsars and tsarinas of Russia. A lovely rich salacious history of mother Russia.

I have read other books in this series.......
And find them equally compelling.

A great fun read of some very compelling and intreaguing characters, played out on the vast landscape of Russia. Peppered with quotes and correspondence of the era, each tsar or tsarina, is brought to life...and the sauciest bits laid bare. A great read!!

I think this book comes out in just a few days.... I read an advanced copy of it....and I couldn't put it down....I didn't make dinner, I didn't do laundry, I pretty much blew off everything and totally got immersed in this book.........so good.
It's marketed as a YA book......but a good book is a good book and this one is really great for anyone.

Review::
"I love Copper Magic, I couldn't put it down. Within the first chapter I was hooked, the characters, the mystery, and the small town located on Lake Michigan came to life....and I read it straight through.

Copper Magic by Julia Mary Gibson is an absolutely charming new novel. A great story, wonderful characters and a delightfully drawn tale.

In this day and age we are inundated with stories of magic, this one is delightfully different. The story weaves wonderful characters, the spunky and feisty Violet Marie Blake, into a tale of mystery, magic and Native American Culture.

What Intrigued me most, was the power of the magic, and the understanding that magic can't always be controlled. There are so many stories of magic and the main character goes through a transformation to be able to control that power......but true magic doesn't necessarily need to be tamed, or can be tamed.

I loved how Native American tradition was woven through the tale, and in no way did it ever take on a preachy tone. It was beautifully done.

I was transported to a different time. It was elegant, yet sassy and funny and charming and heartbreaking and breathtaking and timeless......and simply magical.
Copper Magic is one I will read again and again..... It is sure to become an American Classic and I applaud Julia Gibson for telling the tale in such an authentic voice."

Smooches....caitie xox

( Note::: I acquired an advanced copy of this book..... I wasn't paid for this review, but I wrote this because I seriously was blown away by this book and this author........ Read it.....just read it. I can tell it's going to win some serious awards)

Here is an amazon link....... http://www.amazon.com/Copper-Magic-Julia-Mary-Gibson/dp/0765332116

Thursday

Ocean at the End of the Lane was like skinny dipping on a hot June night, in a deep, moon dappled pond. I held my breath, and dove deep...... you awoke magic with your words......I shall never be the same. I thank you.